- Milbank Elementary - 03 — 7.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 408 students
- Milbank High School - 01 — 7.5 mi · Grades 9–12 · 333 students
- Milbank Middle School - 02 — 7.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 222 students
- Blue Sky Colony - 04 — 14.3 mi · Grades K–8 · 10 students
| Metric | Milbank School District 25-4 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,033 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,047/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 20% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milbank School District 25-4 (this district) | 8/10 | 75th | 1,033 |
| Wilmot School District 54-7 | 1/10 | 6th | 222 |
| Waverly School District 14-5 | 3/10 | 20th | 271 |
| Summit School District 54-6 | 2/10 | 11th | 184 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 146 rated districts in SD → 75th percentile → 8/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Milbank School District 25-4
Milbank School District 25-4 is the public school district assigned to zip code 57216 in Big Stone City, South Dakota. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 57216. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
Milbank School District 25-4 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 8/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because South Dakota is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Milbank School District 25-4 earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in South Dakota. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 57216
Children in zip code 57216 are assigned to Milbank School District 25-4 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 57216, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Milbank School District 25-4 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — South Dakota districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Big Stone City
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Milbank School District 25-4 serves zip code 57216, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 57216. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In South Dakota, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Milbank School District 25-4 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 57216.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Milbank School District 25-4 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 57216 data.